The Communication Clinic: 99 Proven Cures for the Most Common Business Mistakes

by Barbara Pachter, Denise Cowie

Overview

The proven prescription for powerful business communication

Sending an email plagued with typos. Rushing through a presentation. Never saying “no.” Under-dressing for a company event. What do these all have in common? Bad messaging.

The Communication Clinic is a comprehensive, commonsense guide to getting the job of your dreams and presenting yourself in the best light through your writing, speaking, body language, and overall appearance. In no time, you’ll begin recognizing the subtle mistakes that are holding you back, and taking steps to overcome them.

The Communication Clinic provides the proven prescription for:

• Writing effective emails
• Developing a professional presence
• Mastering verbal and nonverbal communication
• Using social media for career success
• Designing and delivering powerful presentations
• Being assertive (but not aggressive) in person and online
• Managing conflict

Business interactions are increasingly done over digital platforms and across traditional boundaries. Never has clear communication been more critical. Unskilled communicators can create awkward situations, negatively affect business profitability, and even end their own careers with a few poorly chosen keystrokes.

Consult The Communication Clinic and you’ll show everyone that you understand your job, that you care about your career, and that you work well with others —all of which come across loud and clear through effective communication.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781259644849
Publisher:	McGraw Hill LLC
Publication date:	12/08/2016
Pages:	304
Sales rank:	1,060,946
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Barbara Pachter is an internationally renowned speaker and coach on business etiquette and communications, and instructor in the School of Business at Rutgers University. She has written 10 books on related topics, including Essentials of Business Etiquette. Pachter is quoted regularly in newspapers and magazines such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and TIME. She has made appearances on 20/20, The TODAY Show, and The Early Show.

Denise Cowie is a writer and editor who has worked on books and newspapers on three continents. She worked for the Philadelphia Inquirer for many years as a feature writer, columnist, and editor. Cowie also edited Barbara Pachter’s book Greet! Eat! Tweet!

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments xiii

Introduction xv

Part I Business Writing in a Digital World

1 "I Didn't Know That!" The Essentials of Good Business Writing 3

2 Getting Started: Five Ways to Overcome Writer's Block 5

3 Imperfect Writing for Perfect Results 8

4 Looks Count: Make Your Writings Visually Appealing 11

5 These Bullets Won't Kill Your Writing 14

6 Simple Words Are Not for Simple People 16

7 Do Not Use Contractions (Don't Worry, I Didn't Mean It!) 19

8 "But I Didn't Mean It That Way!" How to Eliminate a Harsh Tone in Your Emails 22

9 Eliminate Those Extra Words 25

10 Email Rules: Don't Drive Your Readers to Distraction! 29

11 What's in an Email Address? A Lot! 32

12 Grab Your Reader's Attention: Effective Use of Email Subject Lines 34

13 In the Beginning … Salutations Set the Tone for Emails and Letters 36

14 Saying Goodbye: Suggestions for Closing Your Emails 39

51 How to Manage "Know-It-Alls" Without Insult 135

52 "Hold That Thought!" and Other Ways to Handle Interruptions 137

53 Fightin' Words: Questions to Avoid Asking (or Answering) at Work 139

54 "How Can I Say This?" Ways to Deliver Difficult News 141

55 No Pouting: Polite Ways to Handle Criticism 143

56 Offended by a Comment? Try These Simple but Powerful Responses 145

57 Stop Complaining: Learn to Confront Others Politely 147

58 Someone Else's Bad Behavior Is No Excuse for Your Own! 151

59 Work with a Bully? Tips for Asserting Yourself 153

60 Drama Screens: Handling Conflict Online 156

61 Staying Festive: Ways to Avoid Conflict at the Holidays 158

Part IV It's Your Responsibility: Career Advancement and Job Search

62 Your Career Is What You Make It-So Make It Something! 163

63 Build Your Career, One Day at a Time 166

64 Seven Tips for Young Women Just Starting Their Careers 168

65 Many People Are Giving Me Career Suggestions. What Do I Do? 171

66 Don't Put Yourself Down-Speak Well of Yourself Instead 173

67 Build Your Network Both Online and Off 176

68 Are You Letting Networking Opportunities Pass You By? 179

69 How to "Keep in Touch" Professionally and Successfully 181

70 Don't Whine About Your job. Do Something! 183

71 How Do I Conduct a Job Search? Suggestions for Success 186

72 Perk Up Your Résumé and Cover Letter 191

73 Avoid Blunders: Interviewing Tips for Everyone 194

74 How Do You Master Interviewing? Practice, Practice, Practice 199

75 Dress to Impress-Not to Fool the Employer 202

76 Avoid Job-Search Gaffes on Social Media 204

77 Lights, Camera, Interview! Tips for Interviewing on Skype 206

78 You Got the Interview-Now Here's What to Do the Night Before 208

79 Nice Offer … But I Wasn't Looking for a New Job 210

80 When to Let Your Employer Know You Are Leaving 212

Part V The Finishing Touches: Your Actions and Appearance Make a Difference

81 Do You Want to Be Noticed? The Power of Presence 217

82 Do You Project Confidence When Seated? 220

83 Greetings: The Power of a Simple "Hello" 223

84 Introductions: Frustrations Galore! 226

85 Not for Men Only! The Etiquette of the Handshake 228

86 Cubicle Conversations: Keep Chat Professional in the Office 230

87 Effective International Communication: You Say "Potato," and I Say 233

88 Ways to Engage with People-for People Who Don't Like to Engage! 237

89 The "Halo Effect"-When Being Nice Has Benefits 240

90 "But It's Playing My Song": Smart Phone Use for Business 243

91 The Etiquette of Connecting Professionally on LinkedIn 246

92 We Can't All Be Steve Jobs: Dressing Well Reaps Results 249

93 Top 10 Business Clothing Mistakes 252

94 Don't Take Your Neighbor's Bread, and Other Dining Suggestions 255

95 Be a Gracious Guest: 10 Ways to Avoid Dining Blunders 258

96 Tips for Ordering Wine at a Business Dinner 261

97 In a Restaurant, to Introduce or Not? Tips for a Tricky Etiquette Situation 264

98 Your Mother Was Right: The Importance of Expressing Thanks 266

99 Etiquette for Hallways, Sidewalks, and Other Walkways 269

Conclusion 271

Index 275